Thursday, 17 October 2024
Tazkia – Aprilyta
GNAM Week Universitas Indonesia 4th Day, 1st session
DOWA
The session began with Ms. Nina Widaryatun, a director at DOWA, introducing herself and Ms. Ning Margati Wulansari, a member of the DOWA team. Ms. Widaryatun outlined the day’s plan, explaining that attendees would be divided into two groups: one group would head upstairs while the other would go downstairs, with a break in between. She mentioned that the discussion would continue later at DOWA’s main office, where participants would have the opportunity to ask more questions.
Providing a brief history of DOWA, Nina highlighted that the company was established by Ms. Delia Murwihartini in 1989, marking 35 years of operation. The business expanded internationally in 1993, exporting products to several countries, including Italy, Sweden, Spain, and later Singapore. By 1995, DOWA had ventured into the U.S. market with an initial monthly order of 5,000 pieces, which quickly grew to 200,000 units within three years, reflecting the company’s substantial increase in production capacity to meet this rising demand.
In 2008, the founder launched a personal brand, initially generating 40 million rupiah in monthly income. Over the years, DOWA experienced significant growth, reaching a consumer base of 20,000 monthly buyers and employing thousands of artisans and workers who produced up to 10,000 units each month. Nina emphasized DOWA’s commitment to quality by explaining that the company dispatched quality control teams to the villages where the artisans worked, providing training and maintaining high standards. This ensured that each product met the company’s rigorous quality expectations before reaching the market.
When questioned about the founder’s decision to enter the fashion business, Nina elaborated on Ms. Murwihartini’s passion for fashion, which began during her university years. Although Ms. Murwihartini initially considered other sectors like clothing and shoes, she ultimately chose handbags due to their lower investment requirements and the potential for handmade craftsmanship. Recognizing Yogyakarta’s abundant resources for handicrafts, such as leather, palm straw, and banana fiber, Ms. Murwihartini saw an opportunity to create unique products that showcased local talent.
The session included a tour of the DOWA factory, where participants were shown the process of making bags from raw materials to finished products ready for display and packaging. Attendees observed quality control checks at different stages—first to ensure that the raw materials were ready for production, and later to confirm that the finished products met the company’s standards for sale. This behind-the-scenes look provided insights into the meticulous work involved in crafting each DOWA bag.
DOWA’s journey reflects its evolution from a single thread to captivating bags that embody a blend of artistry, craftsmanship, and fashion. Guided by a dedicated team of designers and artisans, the company transforms raw materials into beautiful bags that are cherished by their owners and admired by others. As DOWA’s founder puts it, “Our beauty lies in how we make things—a combination of patience, craftsmanship, precision, and global fashion expertise.” Each piece begins with carefully chosen materials, with the latest fashion trends serving as inspiration for new designs. The creations come to life through the skilled efforts of women artisans in rural Yogyakarta, including areas such as Kulon Progo, Bantul, and Sleman, who are empowered to work from home. This flexibility allows them to balance earning an income with family responsibilities, thereby supporting economic empowerment within their communities.
The artisans’ hard work results in high-quality semi-finished products, which are further refined using advanced technology in a modern workshop setting. The finishing process, including cutting, sewing, and assembling, ensures that each DOWA bag meets stringent quality standards. This seamless integration of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation has earned DOWA recognition as a respected name in both local and international fashion markets.
Following the factory visit, there was a Q&A session with Ms. Widaryatun and her team, moderated by Dr. Triza Mudita (Faculty Member of the MM & MBA Program), where participants had the chance to engage with Ms. Widaryatun and gain a deeper understanding of the company’s operations, challenges, and achievements. The interactive session offered valuable insights and allowed the audience to discuss various aspects of the business.
The day concluded with a shopping session, where participants were given time to purchase DOWA bags and other products, allowing them to take home a piece of the brand’s unique craftsmanship. The session ended with a group photo in front of the DOWA shop, marking a memorable close to the event. Each attendee left not only with a deeper appreciation for DOWA’s products but also with firsthand experience of the dedication behind the brand’s success.
Alya – Florean
GNAM Week Universitas Indonesia 4th Day, 2nd session
MONGGO CHOCOLATE
The session started at 1:29 PM, and the speaker was none other than the founder himself, Mr. Thierry Detourney, the Belgian chocolatier who arrived in Indonesia in 2001 as a backpacker during his travels across Southeast Asia. Initially, he had no clear career path upon deciding to settle in Yogyakarta. However, his Belgian roots, where chocolate holds significant cultural importance, inspired him to start making chocolate locally after he became dissatisfied with the quality of chocolate available in Indonesia at that time. He began creating chocolates using traditional Belgian techniques, initially making them for himself and his friends.
Mr.Detourney’s first venture into selling chocolate began with a friend who sold his creations from a pink Vespa at Universitas Gadjah Mada. His chocolates, made with 100% cacao butter, stood out for their superior quality compared to other local brands, even though they were more expensive. The positive market response encouraged him to establish Monggo Chocolate in 2005. His goal was to introduce high-quality, Belgian-style chocolate using locally sourced Indonesian cacao beans, blending European craftsmanship with Indonesian flavors. Mr.Detourney’s commitment to using pure cacao butter and producing chocolates in various forms, such as pralines, ganache, and truffles, has helped Monggo Chocolate grow into a well-regarded brand in Indonesia. It stands out not only for its quality but also for promoting Indonesian cacao on the global stage while supporting local cacao farmers and sustainable practices.
The brand’s name, “Monggo,” comes from the Javanese word meaning “please,” reflecting the company’s deep connection to Indonesian culture. Monggo’s vision is to create high-quality chocolate using local ingredients while drawing inspiration from the artisanal European chocolate-making tradition. Mr.Detourney was particularly moved by the unique flavors and cultural richness that Indonesia offers. He believed that by using local Indonesian cacao beans and incorporating the distinctive flavors of the region, he could create something extraordinary. Monggo Chocolate became a blend of Belgian craftsmanship and Indonesian ingredients, with Mr.Detourney introducing flavors that highlight the best of both worlds. His passion was not only to make great chocolate but also to elevate the perception of Indonesian cacao, which was often overlooked in the global market despite its quality.
One of Monggo Chocolate’s core commitments is the use of locally sourced ingredients, particularly cacao beans from regions such as Java, Sulawesi, and Sumatra. Indonesia is one of the world’s largest cacao producers, and Monggo capitalizes on this by partnering with local farmers and supporting sustainable and fair trade practices. This commitment to ethical sourcing is a key aspect of Monggo’s identity, ensuring that the brand not only produces excellent chocolate but also contributes positively to local communities. The company uses eco-friendly packaging materials, including recycled paper and banana leaf-based boxes, demonstrating its commitment to environmental responsibility. This attention to sustainability resonates with consumers who are increasingly conscious of the ecological impact of the products they purchase.
